Water Testing Info From a Dad: Insights from Our Owner, Brent Scott
Our owner, Brent Scott, is a father to two young adults so here is some wisdom about water quality that he would share with them that would be helpful for any homeowner!
1. “Just because it’s clear doesn’t mean it’s clean.”
When we think of water with impurities, we typically think of brown muddy water with obvious pollutants. But, here are some pollutants that can be in crystal clear water:
- Lead: This can come from old pipes, solder, or plumbing fixtures. Lead in drinking water is especially harmful to children’s brain development and has no “safe” level according to the EPA.
- Nitrates: Often coming from fertilizers, septic systems or animal waste, nitrates can cause health issues particularly in infants
- Bacteria & Viruses: Things like coli or coliform bacteria can sneak into well water from runoff or leaking septic systems.
- Iron, Manganese & Other Metals: These may not change how your water looks, but can damage appliances, stain fixtures, and give water a metallic taste over time.
- Radon: Yes, it can show up in water! Particularly in homes with private wells in areas with natural uranium in the soil. It releases gas into the air when water is used (like during showers).
- PFAS (“forever chemicals”): These are now recognized as a major emerging threat in drinking water; research shows they may affect up to 60%+ of Americans once all data is in. The threat of PFAS is a highly discussed topic in Middle Tennessee due to the landfill.
2. “Know what causes unclean water.”
Your water can be affected by a lot of things you can’t control:
- Old plumbing that slowly leaches metals into your water
- Groundwater changes that introduce bacteria or nitrates
- Nearby construction or farming that impacts your local supply
- Naturally occurring minerals that build over time
It’s not about being paranoid — it’s about being proactive.
3. “Know the numbers – unclean water can greatly affect your health.”
Some important numbers to know:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least 1 million Americans get sick each year from contaminants in drinking water. CDC
- The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that in their Tap Water Database reviewing nearly 50,000 water systems, they detected 324 different contaminants across U.S. drinking water systems. Olympian Water Testing+1
- A recent news-analysis found that over 97 million Americans are exposed to unregulated contaminants (such as PFAS, “forever chemicals”) in their drinking water. Silent Spring Institute
- According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a home-drinking water test is a key step for homes served by private wells (which are not regulated the same as public systems)
4. “It’s always better to catch it early than to fix it later.”
Why does this matter? Think of a water test like a check-up for your home. It’s quick, affordable, and gives you solid answers. You’ll know what’s in your water, and if there’s a problem, you can fix it before it becomes a big deal. It’s the kind of simple, preventative step that saves money and headaches down the road — something every homeowner learns sooner or later.
It is also important for your health! You want to make sure that you are aware of what you are drinking and putting on your body. You may be taking in PFAS, lead, nitrates, and other pollutants that negatively affect your body over time.
Know what is in your water! We test our fire alarms and HVAC systems, but water testing is also part of home maintenance. Clean water shouldn’t be a mystery. Whether it’s for your morning coffee, your kids’ baths, or your family pet’s bowl, you deserve to know it’s safe. Schedule a water test with Premier Home Inspection and turn your water from “maybe fine” to certified safe.
Need a water test?
Contact us at 629-262-0222 to book a water test today!
Schedule your water test and gain confidence in the safety and purity of your home’s water!